16 Day Australia & New Zealand with Cairns & Ayers Rock

Featured Hotels

Wednesday Departure
Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour		Sydney
Desert Gardens Hotel		Ayers Rock
Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort		Cairns
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside		Queenstown
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside		Rotorua
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands		Paihia

Click a Date to Book Online

Book By Mar 17, 2022 & Save!

2022 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only		Land Only	Air & Land	Air & Land
					Book By Mar 17	Book After Mar 17
	$6559*	$7059*
	$6559*	$7059*
	$6559*	$7059*
~~Sep 21~~ (Sold Out)	$6969*	$7469*
	$7069*	$7569*
	$7069*	$7569*
	$7069*	$7569*
	$6839*	$7339*
	$6999*	$7499*
	$6999*	$7499*
	$6999*	$7499*
	$6999*	$7499*
	$6809*	$7309*
	$7029*	$7529*
	$7919*	$8419*
	$7919*	$8419*

2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only		Land Only	Air & Land	Air & Land
					Book By Mar 17	Book After Mar 17
	$7219*	$7719*
	$7239*	$7739*
	$7249*	$7749*
	$7249*	$7749*
	$6989*	$7489*
	$6989*	$7489*
	$6989*	$7489*
	$6989*	$7489*
	$6989*	$7489*
	$6799*	$7299*
	$6689*	$7189*
	$6669*	$7169*
	$6669*	$7169*
	$6629*	$7129*
	$6539*	$7039*
	$6539*	$7039*
	$7059*
	$6559*
	$7059*
	$6559*
	$7059*
	$6559*
~~Sep 21~~ (sold out)	$7469*
	$6969*
	$7569*
	$7069*
	$7569*
	$7069*
	$7569*
	$7069*
	$7339*
	$6839*
	$7499*
	$6999*
	$7499*
	$6999*
	$7499*
	$6999*
	$7499*
	$6999*
	$7309*
	$6809*
	$7529*
	$7029*
	$8419*
	$7919*
	$8419*
	$7919*

2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only		Land Only	Air & Land	Air & Land
					Book By Mar 17	Book After Mar 17
	$7719*
	$7219*
	$7739*
	$7239*
	$7749*
	$7249*
	$7749*
	$7249*
	$7489*
	$6989*
	$7489*
	$6989*
	$7489*
	$6989*
	$7489*
	$6989*
	$7489*
	$6989*
	$7299*
	$6799*
	$7189*
	$6689*
	$7169*
	$6669*
	$7169*
	$6669*
	$7129*
	$6629*
	$7039*
	$6539*
	$7039*
	$6539*

Previous Season Dates

Next Season Dates

Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.

Additional Information:
This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via Air New Zealand and may only be purchased with these flights.

A special Premium Economy upgrade may be requested for flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Auckland (AKL) for a supplemental fee of $1399 per person round trip. This upgrade is subject to availability at the time of request and may take 1-2 business days to confirm. Similarly, a special Business Class upgrade may be requested for flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Auckland for a supplemental fee of $4299 per person round trip. Offers apply to transPacific flights ONLY. This offer is subject to availability at the time of request and is only valid prior to ticket issuance.

Accommodation Details:
Triples rooms at Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour will be accommodated in a single room & twin room.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately paced program features some group touring highlights, with ample time to participate in a variety of optional tours that are available, or to explore on your own. Most city to city transfers are via flight. There may be a couple of early mornings, dependent upon your group's flight schedule. Some optional and included sightseeing will require walking for extended periods of time, walking over uneven terrain, or travel in 4x4 vehicles over rough terrain. Some hotels in Bay of Islands and Queenstown are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.

Escorted Package Includes

Flights Los Angeles-Sydney, Auckland-Los Angeles
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
All intra-flights: Sydney-Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock-Cairns, Cairns-Queenstown, Queenstown-Rotorua
13 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Sydney
- 1 night Ayers Rock
- 3 nights Cairns
- 3 nights Queenstown
- 2 nights Rotorua
- 2 nights Bay of Islands
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers
20 meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour managers
Entrance fees per itinerary

Special Features

View many of Sydney's highlights, including the famous Opera House
Visit the Great Barrier Reef at the Low Isles
Enjoy a scenic cruise of Milford Sound with stunning views of Mitre Peak
Visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve and learn about Maori traditions
Attend a traditional Haka ceremony and Maori concert
Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand's most important historic sites

Is This Trip Right for You?

Book Now!

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Australia
Depart for Australia

DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
Cross the International date line en route to Australia and skip a day ahead

DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Sydney
Arrive in Sydney, Australia’s cosmopolitan premier city. You'll be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the exciting journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Sydney
Spend the day at leisure pursuing your personal interests. Australia's largest city has something for everyone, from the glorious beaches to the stylish boutiques and top restaurants. Tonight, attend an optional dinner cruise by catamaran on Sydney Harbour. Savor a choice of delicious dishes and enjoy sights such as Sydney’s world-famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the catamaran's extensive deck
Optional: Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
Overnight: Sydney
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Ayers Rock
Depart Sydney by flight to Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia. This iconic monolith and the sandstone domes known as Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) were created over some 600 million years. Uluru is a sacred place and has a great spiritual meaning for the Aborigines of the area, known as the Anangu. Each cave and fissure of the monolith has a meaning in Dreamtime (creation of the world). After checking in to your hotel spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend the optional Sounds of Silence Dinner. As the sun sets over Uluru, enjoy sparkling wine and canapes while listening to the sound of a didgeridoo. Afterward, an unforgettable dining experience awaits you, as you sample local bush foods, accompanied by assorted cultural entertainment. End the evening with stargazing. Listen to the resident star talker decode the constellations of the southern night sky
Optional: Sounds of Silence Dinner
Overnight: Ayers Rock
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Monday - Flight to Cairns
Depart Ayers Rock on a flight to Cairns, the tourist capital of tropical North Queensland and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Tuesday - Low Isles
Today, set sail to the beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay of the Low Isles in a high speed catamaran, a short journey across the Coral Sea, located in the inner Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This beautiful island is a one-stop tropical experience with its unique reef and rainforest, home to 126 native plant species, colorful birds and magnificent coral gardens. Stroll through the magical rainforest, snorkel at the inner reef, or laze on the white coral sands, there are many activities to choose from. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tonight, get together with your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday - Full Day in Cairns
Enjoy all of the delights of this resort city on your day at leisure or, join the optional Crocodile Adventure Tour with lunch. Depart Cairns and head north to an eco-park and working crocodile farm. Explore the park’s five different ecological zones where you encounter kangaroos, koalas and other unique Australian wildlife, including a thrilling cruise on the crocodile lagoon. After lunch, return to Cairns. In the afternoon, participate in the optional Skyrail Experience with dinner. Ride the Kuranda Skyrail for great views of the rainforest canopy. Along the way, stop for a ranger-guided boardwalk tour and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts and historical displays. Conclude your tour with an authentic Australian dinner
Optional: Crocodile Adventure Tour with lunch
Optional: Skyrail Experience with dinner
Overnight: Cairns
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Thursday - Flight to Queenstown
Depart Cairns on a flight to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria. The town, nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, is considered New Zealand's adventure capital. Its fabulous outdoor attractions and resort like atmosphere are enjoyed by international travelers and locals alike. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, savor your first dinner in New Zealand
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Friday - Discover Milford Sound
Today, take a full day tour to Milford Sound! Travel to World Heritage Fiordland National Park, rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Stop at Te Anau and the glacier hewn Eglinton Valley before embarking on the cruise out into the fjord with scenic views of temperate rainforest, stunning Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Possible wildlife viewings include seals, birds and occasionally even dolphins or penguins as you marvel at the sights around you. Late afternoon, return to Queenstown
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Saturday - Full Day in Queenstown
Spend time on your own discovering picturesque Queenstown. Walk along the streets of the sophisticated downtown area, with its trendy shops and restaurants or, be adventurous and ascend on the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, high above the city for magnificent views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, participate in the optional Skippers Canyon adventure that follows this rugged road into the sheer cliffsides of the Shotover River Valley. During the tour, visit many historic sites and stop at Deep Creek to try your hand at gold panning at one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Return to Queenstown along Skippers Road
Optional: Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure (AM)
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Sunday - Flight to Rotorua
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity. Tonight, participate in the optional home hosted dinner with a local family and experience a unique opportunity to learn about their values and traditions
Optional: Home Hosted Dinner in Rotorua
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Monday - Te Puia Thermal Reserve
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations of Rotorua, or join the optional Hobbiton tour. Travel through the spectacular North Island scenery to Matamata, home to the Hobbiton movie set, made famous in the “Lord of Rings” movie trilogy. Take a guided tour around the set and view Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon, journey to Te Puia in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity and thermal springs. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Maori and learn how they live in harmony with this unique environment. Tonight, enjoy a Hangi dinner followed by a Maori cultural performance
Optional: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (AM)
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Tuesday - Bay of Islands
Travel to the Bay of Islands, the birthplace of New Zealand, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British and the North Island’s Maori chiefs. The Bay of Islands is also known for its stunning beauty, marine life, water activities and beaches
Overnight: Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Wednesday - Waitangi Treaty Grounds
This morning, explore New Zealand’s most important historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Take a guided tour of the grounds, which feature iconic buildings and breathtaking examples of Maori architecture. View an authentic ceremonial war canoe and stand in the spot where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Tour the Museum of Waitangi Te Kongahu, a modern and comprehensive showcase of New Zealand’s history, and be welcomed in traditional Maori style at a cultural performance. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or participate in the optional Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. Glide through the Bay of Islands, sailing past the Cape Brett Lighthouse to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life. Tonight, share wonderful memories together on your last night in New Zealand. Bid farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner
Optional: Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise (PM)
Overnight: Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Thursday - Depart New Zealand
Travel to the airport in Auckland for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now!

Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour, Sydney

This first class hotel is located in Sydney's Darling Harbour district.

Hotel Details

Desert Gardens Hotel, Ayers Rock

This superior first class hotel is situated in the Ayers Rock Resort.

Hotel Details

Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, Cairns

This deluxe hotel is located on the Cairns Esplanade.

Hotel Details

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Queenstown

This first class hotel is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Hotel Details

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, Rotorua

This first class hotel has magnificent views of Lake Rotorua.

Hotel Details

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Paihia

This first class hotel is located at the entrance to the town of Paihia.

Hotel Details

Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.

Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally

Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week

Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

Set out on the waters of Sydney Harbour in a luxury air-conditioned catamaran. Sail by the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and other landmarks. Start with a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy your three course dinner with an array of international dishes including fresh seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes - an unforgettable dining experience!

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

Day #4	01 Aug 2022 - 31 May 2023	$148.00

Sounds of Silence Dinner

Tonight embark on an unforgettable dining experience as you sample local bush tucker (bush foods) accompanied by assorted cultural entertainment. The evening begins with chilled sparkling wine and canapés served on a viewing platform providing vistas of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The unique, reverberating sound of a didgeridoo will lead you into dinner as you settle down at your table. During dinner, enjoy storytelling from the resident star talker as they decode the night skies and point out assorted planets and galaxies that are visible thanks to the clarity of the atmosphere, weather permitting. Note, this tour is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

Day #5	01 Aug 2022 - 31 May 2023	$172.00

Skyrail Experience with dinner

Ride the Kuranda Skyrail that takes you on an amazing gondola experience over the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Along the way, stop for a Ranger guided boardwalk tour and visit the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, lookouts and historical displays. Arrive at the historic village of Kuranda, nestled high up the tropical mountains. Spend time at leisure to explore the village, the heritage markets and learn about aboriginal culture. On your descent, marvel at the magnificent views of Barron Falls and Barron Gorge National Park. Conclude your tour with an authentic Australian dinner.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 6 hours.

Day #8	01 Jun 2022 - 24 Dec 2022	$166.00
	26 Dec 2022 - 31 May 2023	$166.00

Skyrail Experience with dinner Thumbnail

Crocodile Adventure Tour with lunch

Depart Cairns and head north on a coastal drive to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, an eco-park and working crocodile farm. Learn about Australia's incredible wildlife and discover the park's five different ecological zones. Walk along pathways and boardwalks to view the various native fauna and attend live shows and feedings to learn more about Australia’s wildlife. See the Crocodile Attack Show, featuring massive crocs snapping food from a pole. Enjoy lunch before your return to Cairns.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.

Day #8	01 Jun 2022 - 31 May 2023	$122.00

Crocodile Adventure Tour with lunch Thumbnail

Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure

This scenic Skippers Canyon tour is an adventure that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road. You will travel the road that was hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley making this an exciting opportunity. During the tour, you will visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge and historical township of Skippers. The tour will also visit the restored school house where you will gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and the histories of life from the early days of this settlement. On the return journey, you will stop at Deep Creek where you can immerse yourself in the customs of the local area by trying your hand at gold panning at one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

Day #11	01 Sep 2022 - 31 May 2023	$155.00

Home Hosted Dinner in Rotorua

Savor a traditional home cooked New Zealand three course dinner accompanied by a glass of New Zealand wine, beer, or juice with a local family. Give yourself the chance to experience local culture in a relaxed and comfortable environment with fascinating conversation about the way of life in New Zealand, while also exchanging views and experiences with your hosts.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.

Day #12	01 Sep 2022 - 31 May 2023	$97.00

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Departing from Rotorua this morning, enjoy a drive through spectacular North Island scenery. Arrive at the Hobbiton movie set, made famous in the “Lord of Rings” movie trilogy, located in Matamata. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the undeniable beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Experience Middle-earth with a guided tour around the set. Visit some of the most famous locations; the hobbit holes, the mill, the party tree and the pond. Listen to fascinating stories of how Hobbiton came to be. Conclude the tour at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage, before your return to Rotorua.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.

Day #13	01 Jun 2021 - 31 May 2023	$80.00

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Take in the stunning views as you glide through the Bay of Islands and sail past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life*. Learn about the history of the islands, especially the indigenous Maori and early European settlers, as you cruise through the inner Islands of the Bay.

*Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent upon local conditions.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #15	01 Sep 2022 - 31 May 2023	$80.00

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Thumbnail

Gate 1 Traveler Photos
Professional Photos

12 Day Classic Australia, January 2020

Wonderful. Gate 1 has a real asset with Ben as a tour manager. This was my 9th Gate 1 trip. I tell everyone that the guides/managers are outstanding, but Ben stands out amongst even the best. The itinerary was excellent, as well. Three days in each place may be less stressful, but the time we spent in each place was well planned. The optional trips were perfect. The Great Barrier Reef, Outback BBQ, and 3 sisters were my favorites. Although only 9 days as a group, we became a bonded group quickly. Looking forward to my next trip.

Pamela V. Ewing Township, NJ

15 Day New Zealand & Australia, January 2020

We loved our trip!! New Zealand was even more beautiful than we imagined and Queenstown and Milford Sound with the optional trip to a remote sheep farm were breathtaking. Linda was a knowledgeable and resourceful guide who make us feel secure in her country. Australia was more fascinating than I anticipated and I loved the English influence on the foods, the architecture, and the culture. Melbourne's juxtaposition of old buildings and new, incorporating varying colors and shapes made it very artistic and lovely to behold. Vic was perhaps the best tour guide I've experienced with Gate 1; remember, this was my 12th tour. He went above and beyond expectations with his commentary, knowledge, good humor, and walking tours. The entire tour group (all 27 of us) agreed that he should receive tour guide honors for his work. As usual, the hotels were centrally located, impressive, and high quality; this is one of the features that I adore about Gate 1--location, location, location.

Sharon D. Claremont, CA

18 Day New Zealand & Australia with Cairns, February 2019

New Zealand and Australia was awesome! This trip was the longest we had ever been on but it was worth every day of it! I can’t wait to plan our next Gate 1 trip! So far this company has been so good!

Debra A. Magnolia, IL

18 Day New Zealand & Australia with Cairns, February 2019

Our trip was great! We had beautiful sunny days everyday, even a few were close to 100 degrees ... Our Australia guide, Dana, was THE BEST! Cheers to her for showing us a fabulous time and giving us over and above attention and service. We would highly recommend the combination of New Zealand and Australia trip. I hope we can join another Gate 1 trip in the future.

Mary J. Lake St. Louis, MO

18 Day New Zealand & Australia with Cairns, December 2018

It was truly amazing. New Zealand was pristine from the Mountain Views to the ocean and spectacular lakes. The air was so fresh and the water so clean. Australia was our highlight, but everyday the tour was more and more amazing. The additional excursions were great for seeing the wildlife and experiencing Australia and New Zealand for it’s true beauty. We enjoyed the city life, but enjoyed the small towns and wilderness even more. We thought being away for the holidays might of been a draw back, but the group we traveled with and the amazing tour guides of Richard from New Zealand and Pam from Australia filled our days and celebrated the holidays as if we were one big happy family. Thanks to them we had a wonderful time. Gate 1 really out did themselves with this amazing tour! Thank you for a memory of a life time!!! We are looking forward to our next tour with Gate 1!

Dina T. Middletown, DE

18 Day New Zealand & Australia with Cairns, November 2018

Both countries were great, both guides knew there stuff and were very informative. This was our 10th Gate 1 trip and all continue to be as advertised. We look forward to #11 in January to Italy. Thanks for all your hard work and making our trip special Gate 1!

Dianne N. Tyrone, GA

18 Day New Zealand & Australia with Cairns, April 2018

Great trip! We enjoyed visiting both countries. Linda, our tour guide in New Zealand was amazing! She is extremely knowledgeable and very professional!

Mary M. Weeki Wachee, FL

15 Day New Zealand & Australia, January 2018

The trip was fabulous especially New Zealand. The beauty of that country cannot be described. We had a great time.

Karen C. Cumming, GA